humans

IBM prefers artificial intelligence to humans, according to an interview published on em360tech.com, in which one of the company’s most senior executives says humans can’t see what’s right in front their faces while AI sees everything, as well as things that aren’t even there.

Rashik Parmar, IBM’s lead cloud advisor for Europe and one of the Watson team, says algorithms are smarter than humans will ever be, and that AI can spot patterns in large-scale enterprise architecture that human beings cannot.

AI can “make connections that you wouldn’t be able to make yourself”, claims computer fanatic Parmar.

The company calls the robot “Relay”, although its buyers often give it nicknames – Dash, Botlr, and Wally are just some examples.

Relay is not really a concierge – we just like that word… concierge… makes our website sound sophisticated. But anyway, the robot is smart enough to navigate its way within complex hotel interiors, with all their zig-zagging corridors and winding hallways, as well as their lifts with the slight gaps and uneven surfaces at the entrances.

These navigational challenges would of course not be a problem for most humans – we wouldn’t even think about them. Most of us are fortunate enough to be able to get around in hotels or in any other buildings quite easily – all the manoeuvring involved doesn’t present any difficulty, no matter how complex it may be. [Read more…] about Robotic concierge: Exclusive interview with Savioke boss

There is a persistent myth that the rise of automation, robotics and software is a recipe for disaster. Many people worry that technological innovation will lead to the demise of human jobs, otherwise known as structural unemployment.

These claims are dangerous for “generation Z”, creating an uneasy atmosphere of automation anxiety and paranoia over job security.

With the industry now witnessing an influx of next-generation collaborative robotics and automation technologies, how important is it for the automotive industry and technology providers to come together and share best practices for driving safer, faster and more profitable manufacturing and maintaining a solid life-cycle?

Some people say artificial intelligence will eventually take over the world, and make humans obsolete and useless in large parts of society, starting with firing us from all employment – low-skilled or high. Others say it’s already happened – that AI rules the world.

From artificially intelligent assistants which answer your emails and manage your diary, to artificially intelligent industrial robots that can custom manufacture products to individual customer specifications and that can tell you when they need a little maintenance, not to mention the AI in the latest cars of today which can brake and change lanes to avoid you having an accident because you fell asleep at the wheel, AI is everywhere.

With all the current talk of robots taking over the world, and replacing millions of workers everywhere, laying waste to economies and societies everywhere, it is surprising that a company known for its advanced technology is replacing robot workers with human workers.

Prestige auto brand Mercedes has been employing more humans and fewer robots at its car factories because apparently its customers want vehicles with a high degree of customisation which is beyond the capabilities of robots, no matter clever they are.

In an interview with Bloomberg Business, Markus Schaefer, the German automaker’s head of production, says: “Robots can’t deal with the degree of individualization and the many variants that we have today. We’re saving money and safeguarding our future by employing more people.”